SEMA News—January 2014
EVENTS
Compiled by Steve Campbell
2013 SEMA Show New Product Awards
16 Categories Yield 48 Honors From Among More Than 2,000 Entries
More than 2,000 parts, tools, assemblies and packages were submitted for judging at the New Products Showcase during the 2013 SEMA Show. The displays encompassed items from every segment of the industry, and all were reviewed by a panel of expert judges who ranked them for superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal and marketability. The judges then awarded honors to products in 16 categories, including two runners-up in each division. Congratulations are due to all those who conceive and create the innovations that drive the industry.
Collision Repair & Refinish Product Winner:3M The 3M Body Protection System textured coatings and undercoatings are used to quickly deliver coatings onto rigid panels. The precise delivery of the HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) gravity-pressurized spray gun allows product to be sprayed at any angle to achieve a perfect OEM texture match, reducing overspray, masking applications and eliminating solvent for cleanup. Information: 800-666-2277 |
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Creative Autobody Solutions This product saves time because there is no need for blending into an adjacent fender and saves money because there is no need for re-sprays due to customer dissatisfaction. Better matches and no complaints equate to satisfied customers. ABS Plastic Spray-Out Cards work with all waterborne paints (metallic and solid colors). Information: 602-576 3934 | Shelwes Tools & Body Easily connects to any standard power sander and automatically conforms to curves and irregular as well as flat surfaces with no work interruption or adjustments. The patent-pending design was co-developed through more than 30 years of bodywork experience. Its time and quality efficiency saves money and boosts profits, says Shelwes. Information: 870-995-4238 |
Engineered New Product Winner:Viking Performance Inc. The Active Shock Management system automatically and intelligently adjusts up to 1,000 times per second per shock for the ultimate in performance handling and ride control, according to Information: 800-236-6001 |
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Aeromotive Inc. The A3000 is a compact, lightweight, higher-flowing and versatile carbureted fuel pump designed for high-horsepower applications. Its modular design makes it affordable for almost any application, whether as a standalone pump or by incorporating the indexable fuel filter and diaphragm-controlled fuel pressure regulator. Information: 913-647-7300 | McHitch Automatic Trailer Couplers A world first in all-terrain couplers. Now anyone can hitch a travel trailer or any trailer quickly and easily without assistance. Provides a solid link between the tow vehicle and the trailer for a smooth, silent ride. McHitch says that the articulation of the heavy-duty universal makes it the best on- or off-road coupler available. Information: +61-2-63522533 |
Exterior Accessory Product Winner:Rigid Industries LED Lighting LED grilles by Rigid Industries are made from two parts that are laser-cut 304 stainless steel with satin black powdercoat treatment. They are then are bolted together with stainless-steel button-socket head bolts and nyloc nuts. Information: 480-655-0100 |
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Shark Kage Shark Kage is the multi-use ramp for trucks to load motorcycles, ATVs and more. Shark Kage is also a toolbox, bed-extender, cargo cover, sunshade and work table. Information: 702-982-1400 | Kleinn Air Horns Install a train horn and onboard air system on any ’07–’13 GM truck or SUV in 15 minutes or less with regular hand tools. No drilling required. Simply bolt down both system components with five bolts, plug in power and add an air line. Information: 520-579-1531 |
Interior Accessory Product Winner:Palmer Performance Engineering DashLogic is said to be the most advanced gauge system to date. Customize a factory instrument cluster display or head-up display. DashLogic is plug and play, with no tuning or installation required. Just plug it into the OBD-II port. View horsepower, torque, knock, air/fuel ratio, oil temp, boost, 0–60 time and much more on the factory dash. Information: 801-709-6300 |
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Rampage Products Solution to loose-swinging Wrangler entry doors with a durable spring steel track, a nylon bushing and a locking detent loop to hold an open door in place. Eliminates loose door swinging and maintains a fixed open position for loading or unloading without independent props or release adjustments. Information: 951-277-4949 | Palmer Performance Engineering DashCommand turns a smartphone or tablet into an advanced display for engine data. Monitor fuel economy. Add custom gauges and graphs. Calculate 0–60 times, quarter-mile times, horsepower, torque and more. DashCommand can also be used directly on many in-dash radio head units. Information: 801-709-6300 |
Merchandising Display Winner:BedRug Inc. & Advantage BedRug and BedTred for Jeep Information: 800-462-8435 |
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WeatherTech TechLiner The TechLiner countertop display features a mini TechLiner replica that provides a great visual. Customers are invited to touch the actual product and read about the benefits. Information: 800-943-9250 | Innovative Creations Inc. ICI’s new bumper display is an exact scale of the company’s fullsize Magnum prerunner and rear bumpers. The new display will grab the customer’s attention and fit in any showroom. Promotes increased sales on high-dollar items with very Information: 800-626-8746 |
Mobile Electronics Product Winner:ESCORT Inc. Introducing Passport Max, which Escort says is the world’s only high-definition radar detector. DSP technology and ultra-fast signal processing offer record-setting range, benchmark performance and DNA signal analysis for ultimate threat clarity and radar ticket protection. Information: 513-870-8500 |
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Retro Manufacturing LLC Multipurpose Surface-Mount Speaker Modules Information: 888-325-1555 | Retro Manufacturing LLC 1.5 DIN Direct-fit Bluetooth Radio Information: 888-325-1555 |
Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product Winner:Shenzhen Nova Technology Co. Ltd. LED headlight mold number 9004/9005/ Information: +86-755-83505482 |
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Palmer Performance Engineering DashLogic is said to be the most advanced gauge system to date. Customize the factory instrument cluster display or head-up display. No tuning or installation required; just plug it into the OBD-II port. View horsepower, torque, knock, air/fuel ratio, oil temp, boost, 0–60 time and much more on the factory dash. Information: 801-709-6300 | Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge The X-Clamp mounting system from Rugged Ridge features an innovative and unique adjustment that allows mounting to tubes ranging from 2.25 to 3 in. Rotate the X-clamp to fit the tube and pivot the mounting bracket to the desired position. Patent pending. Information: 770-614-6101 |
Packaging Display Winner:Edge Products Inc./Superchips Edge’s CTS Evolution packaging enables retailers to plug in the unit to a USB for a powered display. Recognized recently for award-winning packaging, Edge continues to produce retail-friendly packaging to coincide with reduced SKUs. Retailers can walk customers through demo mode and all the features of the Evolution CTS. Information: 888-360-3343 |
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Mantic Engineering Mantic reinvents packaging within the category. The new packaging is engineered to contain, protect and transport goods, clearly setting it apart from the competition. This new premium-quality outer packaging allows all components within the kit to be consolidated into a single uniform pack for easy storage and transportation. Information: +61-394-632200 | COMP Performance GroupFAST EZ-EFI 2.0 Engine Control System, Base Kit Packaging The multi-piece engineered packaging includes a die-cut foam insert designed to match-fit each system component. Underneath the foam insert is a cardboard pizza-style insert box that is form-fitted to house the included wiring harness. The foam section and insert box fit within a full-color, double-wall outer main box suitable for merchandising display. Information: 877-334-8355 |
Performance-Racing Product Winner:COMP Performance Group This re-engineered planetary features 9310 gears and a forged 4340 output shaft exclusive to TCI. The bolt-together design allows for easy gear-set changes. Offered in 1.69, 1.80 and 1.98 ratios with a long or short output shaft. Features PTFE-coated thrust washers and roller bearings on the sun gear and input shaft for low friction and long life. Information: 888-776-9824 |
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QA1 Available in bolt-in, press-in and screw-in styles, QA1’s ball joints come preassembled with standard and up to 1-in.-longer studs. Longer studded ball joints help to improve overall geometry of the car by increasing straight-line stability, improving roll center and helping to free up bind, allowing the suspension to operate smoothly. Information: 800-721-7761 | COMP Performance Group This is a complete plug-n-play electronic fuel-pressure gauge kit designed to directly interface with the FAST XFI or other EFI systems. An OEM-quality, 0–100 psi GM sensor is included. It can be used for either fuel- or oil-pressure measurement and will survive the harshest environments. Harness, mounting block and AN fittings also included. Information: 877-334-8355 |
Performance-Street Product Winner:Auto Meter An innovative and advanced approach to boost control housed within the familiar form factor of a 52mm Auto Meter gauge. Said to be the most powerful and versatile boost controller yet. All necessary senders and solenoid included. Information: 866-248-6356 |
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Auto Meter The simplest solution for getting an accurate, responsive tach signal from the LS family of engines without any cutting or splicing. Uses factory harness connectors for a no-cut installation in minutes on all LS-derived engines. Saves time, money and warranty concerns. | Dakota Digital Now you can use a cable-driven speedometer with a transmission that provides only an electric VSS output. A waterproof case allows mounting anywhere; a powerful motor with PID control yields extremely stable needle operation. A 3-ft. cable is available with ends to connect to GM/Ford thread-on, GM clip-on or Ford clip-on speedometers. Information: 800-852-3228 |
Powersports Product Winner:Titan Lifts A 1,500-lb. capacity lift table that is perfect for servicing motorcycles and ATVs. Built-in retractable casters, automatic safety locks, heavy 12-gauge steel construction. Dual-function power unit with air or hydraulic foot-pump operation. Powdercoat finish (red or black). Two rear-wheel drop outs included (solid and roller). Optional deluxe padded wheel vise. Information: 317-215-2720 |
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Bully Dog Technologies Prepping for winter is especially important in the fall lead-up months, and this exclusive product delivers the tool to prep recreational machines with ease. Data-logging features let users know just what to expect from their machines, and multiple tunes from selected dealers deliver a powerful tuning experience. Information: 866-285-5936 | Extreme Max Products This motorcycle ramp easily transforms to a bed extender to secure loads. One model fits all pickups and positively connects to the truck’s tailgate hardware. The manufacturer says that anyone who has a short-box pickup and has any toys needs this product. It solves the problem of where to store the ramp and how to secure the load. Information: 651-357-1861 |
Street Rod/Custom Car Product Winner:Aeromotive Inc. Fuel System Information: 913-647-7300 |
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Del City Del City’s sealed Mini fuse and relay panels provide rugged, compact and efficient power distribution and circuit protection for marine, construction, agriculture, Information: 800-654-4757 | Classic Instruments Inc. Zeus Speedometer Technology (ZST) gives users a self-diagnostic speedometer and a simple calibration procedure. With new instant calibration, drive 30 mph and push a button. Done! The tachometer works with 1- to 12-cylinder engines and has an optional shift light. Any speed signal can be accepted, and ZST has four pending patents. Information: 800-575-0461 |
Tire and Related Product Winner:Coker Tire Co. “Bias-Look” Radial Whitewall Tire Information: 800-251-6336 |
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Continental Tire the Americas LLC Developed on the world-famous Nürburgring, this ultra-responsive tire is engineered by Continental for track and street performance. Continental says that its precise control, confident handling and outstanding grip make this the ultimate tire for the driving enthusiast. Information: 800-321-7575 | Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. The RS3-S is said to offer world-class dry-road traction, handling and cornering. The tread compounds are specifically formulated to combine dry and wet traction with high-speed capabilities. Large shoulder elements provide crisp cornering and handling. The five-rib design evacuates water to resist hydroplaning and maintain rubber to road. Information: 419-423-1321 |
Tools & Equipment Product Winner:Leap Innovations WeighSafe is a trailer-hitch scale that measures tongue weight. It can help prevent accidents due to guesswork and improper weight distribution in loading tow trailers. Information: 801-766-0520 |
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Shelwes Tools & Body Easily connects to any standard power sander and automatically conforms to curves and irregular as well as flat surfaces with no work interruption or adjustments. The patent-pending design was co-developed Information: 870-995-4238 | Schley Products/SP Tools A new attachment enables reaching over or under lifts when servicing suspension and driveline components. Gives full articulation and 360 degrees of ram movement. The ability to service vehicles with a four-post or drive-on lift provides a great improvement for many shops that service vehicles on these lift styles. Information: 714-693-7666 |
Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product Winner:AutoTrickz A stick-on numerical pad designed to be installed on the interior side of a glass windshield for use in locking or unlocking door-lock systems. Can also be used to operate other accessories by touching a proprietary code on the numerical pad from the exterior side (outside) of the glass windshield/vehicle. Information: 951-310-1035 |
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McHitch Automatic McHitch Automatic Trailer Coupler Now anyone can hitch up a travel trailer or any trailer quickly and easily without assistance. Provides a solid link between the tow vehicle and the trailer for a smooth, silent ride. McHitch says that the articulation of the heavy-duty universal makes it the best on- or off-road Information: +61-2-63522533 | Antigravity Batteries The Micro-Start Personal Power Supply (PPS) is said to be the world’s smallest jump starter and personal power supply. So small it fits in a pocket, yet so powerful that it can start V8 trucks; it will also power or charge laptops, cell phones, tablets and more. Just charge it and take portable power wherever you go. Information: 310-527-2330 |
Wheel and Related Product Winner:Ultra Wheel Co. Worx Triton is available in 17, 18 and 20 in. with a range of offsets to fit today’s modern trucks and SUVs. Available finishes include full satin black, gloss black with ball milling and state-of-the-art PVD finish. PVD is a super-durable mirror-like finish that is said to outperform any chrome wheel on the market today. Information: 800-321-4456 |
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Voxx Wheel New for 2014, the Voxx Asti wheel incorporates traditional European styling with modern fitment information. Availability in 17x8, 18x8 and 19x8.5 in multiple bolt patterns and various offsets to ensure proper fitment. Fitments for both European and modern vehicles. Information: 310-783-1613 |
The Ultra 245 for front-wheel-drive vehicles is available in 17x8, 18x8, 18x8.5 and 20x9. Offset ranges from +12mm Information: 714-449-7120 |